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Gems 2.74

Photo by Niki Flow. I took this photo on a recent walk. I stood under this beautiful tree and took a quick photo looking straight up. I didn’t see the heart until I opened it in psp9. Do you see it? =) ♥.

For the Believer

“When people say they can’t see the good coming from the pain, my answer is that it’s not our job to know. It’s God’s. It’s just our job to trust, whether we see it or not, that He brings beauty from the ashes.” -Sara Frankl, Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts

“If this is my life, if this is where I am, then this is where God is, too.” -Sara Frankl, Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts

For the Skeptic

These two quotes are really helpful — if you believe in God. If not, there is still scientific evidence that shifting focus can reduce pain. This is true physically of course as many Lamaze moms know, but it’s also true for emotional pain as well.

I’ve been in both places — believing in a benign being and believing spirituality is a hoax and a crutch. In both cases, I found ways to choose joy. I hope you can today too.

Here are a couple of quotes about choices we make in life from a scientist and a skeptic.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” -Albert Einstein

“We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we’re not alone.” -Orson Welles

What Do You Find Joyful? Beautiful?

The theme for the month of December is “joy.” I chose “joy” to honor my sister-in-law Joy Archer was killed in 1984 after graduating second in her class from MIT. Our annual Running-for-Joy 5k/1mile walk/run takes place on her birthday December 26th to celebrate her life. This is held where you are and all are welcome.We donate to Kiva.org in Joy’s honor but that’s completely optional. We’ve had several remote participants over the years who run/walk on Joy’s birthday to remember the amazing life she lived in only 23 short years.

If you have a favorite quote about “joy,” please leave a comment! As always, we would love to feature your creative visions. When we show each other what we find beautiful, we get a glimpse into each others’ hearts.